When the Tamarind Tree Blooms by Elaine Russell

The things I liked best about this book were the historical setting and the information itself. I had never read a book based on 1931 French Colonial Laos before, and it was a fascinating visit. In some ways, the world the book talks about is a mirror of several other naturally wealthy parts of the East that were…

Trading Places by Emily Duvall

I must admit to being a sucker for this trope. When I started this book, I did not go in with any expectations about the level of engagement I would have with the characters. I was pleasantly surprised to see how much I hoped Lexi's turning point would make its appearance.  Lexi is a spoiled rich girl who makes one too many…

To Woo and to Wed by Martha Waters

I have not read any of the books in this series before. This only meant I went in with no expectation or prior knowledge of the history between the primary couple. Sophie and West once had an understanding. We are given a glimpse into their past when we see them in the current timeline. Slowly,…

The Tumbling Girl by Bridget Walsh

Narrated by Jasmine Blackborow To be a fan of mystery in several forms is to welcome books like this, which have a whole other immersive world to explore. It may not be the happiest place to be, but the people bring colour to the narrative. The Tumbling Girl is based in 1876 London. Our lead protagonist is…

The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett

This was an unexpected adventure for me. I do not know what I checked out before wanting to read it, but whatever it was stood me in good stead. This fantasy world that we visit in this book is similar to a medieval version of ours, except with a form of magic (in scientific versions)…

The Stars Don’t Lie by Boo Walker

This is the story of a man who has moved away from home, buried himself in his work and built a different life from what he previously imagined for a reason. We find out this reason slowly over time as the story progresses.  Carver left his home after he felt that his actions caused irrevocable issues…

The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida by Shehan Karunatilaka

Narrated by: Shivantha Wijesinha The book is not for the faint of heart. I love listening to different narrators from different countries because it is a very immersive experience. Unlikeable central protagonists are usually not something that I enjoy, but this time, there were so many points of introspection here that I could not help but champion (towards…

The Snow Girl by Sophie Anderson

I have read one other book by the author and liked the style of writing and the kind of protagonist the story revolves around. This was also similar in that sense. Tasha is a lonely girl, scarred by previous events (mentally). She is finding it hard to trust and befriend people again. She has moved…